Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Benefits You and Your Baby

Scripps follows the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to encourage new mothers to breastfeed immediately after giving birth and continue breastfeeding for at least the first year of the baby’s life. Breastfeeding not only gives babies a healthy start, but also provides numerous other benefits:

Breastfeeding offers an unmatched beginning for children.
Providing infants with human milk gives them the most complete nutrition possible: human milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for each baby to thrive. Scientific studies have shown that breastfed children have a lower incidence of diarrhea as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

Mothers who breastfeed may reap health benefits.
Recent studies show that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.

Breastfeeding enhances bonding between mother and newborn.
Both mother and baby enjoy the emotional benefits of the very special and close relationship formed through breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding saves money and hassle.
In addition to the fact that breast milk is free, parents don’t have to worry about milk spoiling or running out of supplies.

Breastfeeding helps the environment.
Since there is no waste in breastfeeding, it cuts down on our pollution and garbage disposal problems. Breastfeeding uses none of the tin, paper or plastic necessary for preparing, packaging and transporting breast milk substitutes.

The rental of hospital grade electric pumps may or may not be covered by your insurance company. Please check with your insurance company for details about coverage for breast pump rental.

Having a Baby?

Call 800-727-4777, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for help finding an obstetrician, finding a class or to learn more about having a baby at Scripps.